“The Natural” retired in April 2011 following a knockout loss to
Lyoto
Machida at UFC 129, but his legacy had long been secured.
Couture ranks fourth on the UFC’s all-time list in victories (16)
and tied for fifth in appearances (25), winning championships as a
light heavyweight and heavyweight. He was a three-time NCAA
All-American wrestler at Oklahoma State University and three-time
Olympic alternate before he transitioned to mixed martial arts. The
Everett, Wash., native was a founding member of the
Team Quest and
Xtreme Couture training camps.